Resources For Senior Living

Financial Considerations in Senior Living

Long-Term Care Cost Comparison

The costs of assisted living and memory care are both subject to many of the same variables including geographic location, apartment size, and required services. Beyond that, however, costs are figured a bit differently for the two types of care.

Assisted living communities generally charge a base monthly rate, which covers room and board with two to three meals per day. According to the 2017 Cost of Care Survey, the mean cost in the U.S. for assisted living apartment is $4,560 per month, which can vary significantly by location. Some communities cover housekeeping, laundry and other services in their base rate, while in others, these are optional services–so it is important to get a cost breakdown for every community you may be considering.

Because memory care offers specialized care and nursing services that regular assisted living does not, the cost tends to be higher. Fortunately, there are several options available to help pay for senior care and reduce the out-of-pocket costs. Several are shown below, but for a full analysis, be sure to make an appointment with an Aravilla representative.

Long Term Care Insurance

If you have a long-term care insurance policy or a policy designated for home care, it will likely cover assisted living. Some people also have “facility-only” policies which cover care only in licensed assisted living facilities or skilled nursing facilities.

Many insurance policies are difficult to understand, but knowing your benefits will be very helpful in making sure you get what you have paid for. It is very common for insurance companies to decline payment on the first request. Commonly, you or an advocate at the assisted living community will need to contact the insurance companies personally to discuss issues and obtain approval. Most companies will require that you demonstrate need in at least two areas of ADLs (activities of daily living) to qualify, such as bathing, eating, dressing, transferring from bed to chair, walking and toileting.

Long-term care insurance benefits vary widely depending on the policy. Benefits can range from $1,500 to more than $9,000 per month.

Life Insurance

When we think of life insurance benefits, we typically believe the funds are not available until death. However, many life insurance policies can be used to pay for care while the policy holder is still alive. Ask your life insurance agent about cashing out a policy, acceleration, or living benefits.

Typically, the company will buy the policy back for 50 to 75 percent of its value. The rules will be different depending on the company and type of policy. Some policies can only be cashed in if the policyholder is terminally ill; others are much more flexible.

If the company won’t cash it in, you can sell the policy to a third-party company in return for a “life settlement” or “senior settlement,” which is usually 50 to 75 percent of the policy’s face value. After buying the policy, and giving you the percentage, the third-party company continues to pay the premiums until the policyholder dies, at which time the company receives the benefits.

There are also options called “life assurance” benefit or life insurance conversion program. This allows seniors to switch the benefit of a life insurance policy into long-term care payments. Life insurance conversion typically pays between 15 and 50 percent of the value of the policy. Although this is less than a life settlement, it is an option for lesser-value policies that might not qualify for life settlement.

Veterans Benefits

The VA (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs) can be very generous when taking care of those who served. If you or your loved one is a veteran, you may be eligible for benefits that can be used to pay for residential care. If you have service-related injuries or disabilities, this should be straightforward.

There is another set of benefits known as “Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit with Aide and Attendance” (Aid and Attendance for short) that pays toward the cost of assisted living. This is available to veterans or a surviving spouse who is disabled and whose income is below a certain limit. A veteran must have served at least 90 days on active duty and/or at least one day during wartime. The medical condition doesn’t need to be service related, but you must meet a medical qualification. The information on how much the benefit pays varies, but the average is a maximum benefit of $1,949 a month for married veterans, $1,644 for single veterans and $1,056 for a surviving spouse.

People are often told that they have too many assets to qualify for the program, but are not informed that it is possible to re-allocate assets without being penalized. However, it must be done under strict guidelines to avoid disqualification, so it may be best to do this with the assistance of a professional advisor.

Application is made through the Veteran’s Administration. Along with military discharge papers, applicants need proof of a valid medical condition with a letter stating such from a doctor.

Reverse Mortgage

If you own your own home and your spouse still needs a place to live, a reverse mortgage might be just the solution you seek. This allows you to borrow money on the equity you have built up in your home. When the last person is gone from the home, the money must be repaid which usually means selling the home. This is not the best choice for a home that you want to keep in the family.

Bridge Loan

If you have trouble liquidating assets quickly, short-term bridge loans are becoming more popular. They are usually available in amounts of up to $50,000 and are designed to fund the move to assisted living. They are typically used while waiting for the sale of property, or approval for a pension.

Private Pay

Personal income or savings is the simplest route, but the cost of a month’s rent can quickly use up your savings. You can also cash in personal investment portfolios, like 401k plans or IRAs. Often, paying out of pocket is beyond what many can afford in the long term. However, when all your resources have been exhausted, Medicaid may remain as an option.

Annuity

If you have a sizable savings but are worried about outliving your resources, you may consider an annuity. When you purchase an annuity, you pay a lump sum to the underwriters and then you will receive regular payments over a specified time period (usually the rest of your life).

This is one way you can stretch out your money and make sure that you will always have some money coming in even if you live longer than you expected. The biggest benefit of an annuity is that even if your purchase premium runs out, you can get more money back than you put in. The underwriters hope to make a profit if you die early. They take the risk that you could live longer. It can be more beneficial for you than just spending your money on the cost of the stay.

Another advantage of an annuity is that it isn’t fully considered an asset by Medicaid when you apply for government assistance. The income (or your monthly payment) from the annuity is counted as a resource, but the larger sum you originally paid for the annuity is not. This can be a complex, so it is wise to have an accountant or financial adviser help you.

About Medicare & Medicaid

Medicare does not pay for the cost of living, room and board, or personal care in an assisted living or memory care. Assistance from Medicare is very limited.

Medicaid is a joint federal government program for older people with low incomes and limited assets. However, administration of the program falls to the individual states, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which says “each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services.” The number of state Medicaid programs paying for assisted living is increasing, and many states also offer home and community-based services to help delay an elder’s placement in a long-term care facility.

Contact us to receive more information.

]]>Assisted Living or Memory Care?https://aravilla.com/assisted-living-or-memory-care/
Thu, 11 Jan 2018 23:06:03 +0000https://123update.com/aravilla2/?p=641Two of the fastest-growing types of senior living communities are assisted living and memory care, both available at Aravilla. What are the differences between the two, and which one is right for you or your loved one?

Resources For Senior Living

Assisted Living or Memory Care?

Know the Differences, and Which is Best for You and Your Loved One

Around 70 percent of adults over the age of 65 will need help with activities of daily living care at some point in their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. When we recognize that either we or our family members may need extra help with the things we once managed on our own, we often begin to think about senior living. Two of the fastest-growing types of senior living communities are assisted living and memory care, both available at Aravilla. Although assisted living communities may have memory care on the premises, the two types of care are not synonymous.
What are the differences between the two, and which one is right for you or your loved one?

Assisted Living: When You’re Still Independent, But Need a Little Help

Assisted living may be a good choice if you are still active and can live autonomously, but want the peace of mind that comes with the availability of help when you need it. Assisted living communities vary widely in cost, residence styles and services, which is why Aravilla recreated assisted living to make it customizable and personal. We offer a variety of private apartment plans that allow you to maintain your privacy and freedom. Like other assisted living communities, we also provide a variety of optional personal care services and aid with the activities of daily living. You can select the services you want and need, but maintain independence in other aspects of your life.

Assisted living facilities are not federally regulated, but they should be licensed by the state in which they are located.

For additional information on assisted living, the Assisted Living Federation of America offers a convenient downloadable guide: download it here.

Memory Care: When Alzheimer’s and Memory Issues are Present

Memory care caters specifically to people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other types of memory problems. Sometimes called special care units (SCUs), memory care communities usually include 24-hour supervised care within a secure area of a residential community.

In addition to providing assistance with activities of daily living, as you would expect in assisted living, the staff in memory care communities should be specially trained to assist residents with dementia or impaired cognition. In addition, the physical layout and security of memory care communities should be designed to prevent wandering behavior and make navigation pleasant and easy. This is clearly evident at Aravilla Memory Care, which incorporates dozens of features to accommodate the special needs of our residents.

In addition to the general state-level licensing of assisted living, memory care is further regulated in 23 states by special care unit disclosure laws requiring care providers to disclose the special services they offer. However, because these laws are not yet universal, it is critical for caregivers to research facilities well before making a decision.

Contact us to receive more information.

]]>Top Reasons to Move to Assisted Livinghttps://aravilla.com/top-reasons-to-move-to-assisted-living/
Thu, 11 Jan 2018 22:39:29 +0000https://123update.com/aravilla2/?p=635Assisted living is a great intermediate step for seniors who need more help than family can provide at home, but who don’t need care around the clock.

Resources For Senior Living

Top Reasons to Move to Assisted Living

Assisted living is a great intermediate step for seniors who need more help than family can provide at home, but who don’t need care around the clock.

Here are a few ways assisted living trumps living at home as it offers better health and happiness for seniors:

1. A Safe Living Environment

Families often must make home modifications and hire in-home care to make their residence safe for seniors whose physical health begins to wane. From medical alert systems to shower grab-bars, wheelchair-accessible ramps, and more, these expenses can add up: especially if supervised care is needed around the clock. Assisted living communities are designed for accessibility and increased senior mobility, helping seniors avoid falls and accidents and providing access to medical assistance, whether it’s medical staff within the community or accessibility to a nearby hospital.

2. Daily Fitness and Physical Therapy

Retirement and assisted living communities offer many fitness and physical therapy programs to keep seniors active, from Tai Chi, Yoga and Zumba classes, to endurance and strength-building workouts. Fitness programs are also catered to senior citizens and specific medical conditions. Even gardening clubs in the community can provide exercise and fun to help seniors stay active and release endorphins. Staying active in organized group settings can also help seniors treat arthritis, keep their circulation flowing and keep their bodies engaged in healthy ways. Opportunities for physical fitness in assisted living go far beyond what family caregivers can easily provide at home.

3. Opportunities for Socialization

Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poor health outcomes, and many seniors suffer from isolation for the following reasons:

• They are retired and no longer have socialization in the work environment
• They can no longer easily meet people for lunch or attend social events because of physical ailments or transportation issues
• Their friends and spouse may have passed away
• In assisted living, seniors can easily socialize with peers, not only in common areas but also through planned, structures activities like cultural events and field trips. Assisted living actually inspire seniors to get involved, which leads to greater happiness and quality of life.

4. Healthy Dining Catered to Medical Conditions

It can be very difficult to supervise senior nutrition at home. Seniors living alone may find it unappealing to cook for one, and it’s challenging for family caregivers to monitor whether their loved ones are receiving the necessary nutrients. In fact, many seniors suffer from malnutrition, which make their health and well-being decline — despite family’s attempts to keep them healthy. In assisted living, residents are served three meals a day tailored to their specific medical conditions, such as difficulty swallowing or diabetes, and some luxury communities even offer gourmet dining.

5. Help with Activities of Daily Living

Housekeeping, yard work and regular activities of daily living (ADLs) can often be a burden to seniors. Having the details of living taken care of in assisted living allows seniors the freedom to enjoy their autumn years with others’ their age, in addition to take advantage of assisted living activities and amenities. Family caregivers or hired in-home help are also generally responsible for helping with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, eating, which can be quite expensive without the social and activity benefits that go along with assisted living. Assisted living provides expert help with ADLs to allow seniors more independence for the activities that make them happy, which in turn offers better quality of life.

Contact us to receive more information.

]]>Starting Your Journey to Senior Livinghttps://aravilla.com/starting-journey-senior-living/
Thu, 11 Jan 2018 22:35:30 +0000https://123update.com/aravilla2/?p=631You want to feel good about your choices, knowing above all that you or your loved one will be safe, well cared for and happy. How do you begin this journey?

Resources For Senior Living

Starting Your Journey to Senior Living

How do You Begin the Process of Moving to Senior Living?

Making the decision to move from your home into assisted living—or moving your parent to assisted living or memory care—is never easy. The process can be overwhelming, with myriad factors to consider: location, amenities, costs, and more. You want to feel good about your choices, knowing above all that you or your loved one will be safe, well cared for and happy. How do you begin this journey?

What is Most Important to You in a Senior Living Community?

First and foremost, you must decide that a move to assisted living or memory care is the right move, at the right time. This is often a family decision, resulting from honest conversations with each other as well as trusted advisors. Once the decision is made, you can develop a list of criteria that are meaningful to you. For instance, if you’re placing a parent, how close to your home is close enough? What are the costs, and what are the options for payment? Are there payment options you haven’t considered? What special care or services are required?

Once you have developed your key criteria, you can begin identifying communities that appear to meet your needs. You can find them by asking trusted friends, driving your targeted neighborhood, searching online and visiting websites that list senior living communities near you, like Caring.com and APlaceforMom.com. Most of these sites provide a plethora of information, as well as helpful reviews by residents and family members.

Personal Visits Are a Must

Finally, you will want to schedule personal visits and tours to evaluate the communities on your short list at a deeper level. When you do, consider: How does each community look? How do the residents appear, and what are they doing? Are they engaging with others? What is your impression of the staff? You will undoubtedly get a feeling for each community. What is that feeling? Can you envision yourself there, or visiting your loved one?

Within this website, you’ll find some useful tools to help you through the process of finding a community where you or your loved one can feel comfortable, safe and happy. We are also happy to schedule a meeting with you to answer your questions and provide additional information.

Contact us to receive more information.

]]>Know the Signs of Alzheimer’shttps://aravilla.com/know-signs-alzheimers/
Thu, 11 Jan 2018 22:23:31 +0000https://123update.com/aravilla2/?p=625Does Your Loved One or Family Member Have Alzheimer’s? Review the 10 signs of Alzheimer’s list any additional concerns you may have and consult with your doctor.

Resources For Senior Living

Know the Signs of Alzheimer’s

Does Your Loved One or Family Member Have Alzheimer’s?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. If you or someone you care about is experiencing these signs, please see a doctor. Early diagnosis affords the opportunity to seek treatment and plan for the future. Keep in mind, when you’re under a lot of strain, other factors can also play with your mind, such as moving too fast, not getting enough sleep, depression or typical age-related changes. The majority of people over age 50 – even over 60, 70 or 80 – don’t have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Please review the 10 signs below and list any additional concerns you may have and consult with your doctor. This list is for information only and not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified professional.

1. Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life

One of the most common signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events; asking for the same information over and over; increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own.

2. Challenges in Planning or Solving Problems

Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks at Home, Work or Leisure

People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.

What’s a typical age-related change? Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with Time or Places

People with Alzheimer’s can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.

What’s a typical age-related change? Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast, which may cause problems with driving.

6. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing

People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.

What’s a typical age-related change? Misplacing things from time to time and retracing steps to find them.

8. Decreased or Poor Judgment

People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision-making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.

What’s a typical age-related change? Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.

What’s a typical age-related change? Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in Mood and Personality

The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

What’s a typical age-related change? Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Delightfully Delicious Dining

Please Your Palate with Flavor and Variety

Eating delicious, nourishing food that you love is an essential ingredient in a happy life—which is why dining at Aravilla is unprecedented in its quality, presentation and service. Professional chefs plan and prepare meals using the freshest ingredients, which are served in beautifully appointed, intimate dining rooms with tasteful linens, dishes and flatware. Most menus are inspired by the Mediterranean diet, known as the healthiest diet in the world, with minimal sodium to optimize heart and brain health. What’s more, the chefs are always standing by to accommodate special dietary requirements and requests including American staples and down home comfort favorites.

Want something more casual? In our assisted living communities, you can opt for a drink, meal or snack in one of our themed restaurants or outdoor dining areas. Join your friends in the sports pub for a beer and a game, or have a barbecue overlooking the pool. Dine al fresco on the terrace, or listen to a few tunes in the piano bar with a drink and companion. You can even chat over fresh-brewed beverages and sweet treats in the promenade coffee shop. Our dining variety will always satisfy your appetite not just for food, but also for friends and fun.

Fine Dining

Quick And Casual

Fun And Friendly

“Artfully presented meals are prepared by our professional chefs using the freshest ingredients– from the Mediterranean diet to down-home comfort foods. Of course, our chefs are always happy to accommodate special requests and dietary requirements.”

Wellness As A Way Of Life

Maintain Good Health with a Holistic Approach

Our total approach to wellness begins with an assessment of your medical background, fitness needs and personal preferences. Then, we introduce you to activities that are right for you and can make healthy living a reality, regardless of your age. In assisted living, this could include a combination of fitness endeavors—from walking to water exercise or sessions in our state-of-the-art fitness center—as well as activities that stimulate your brain and bring you joy. You can paint, play chess, or curl up with a book. Watch movies, or meander through our grounds with your dog. It’s your choice.

To add to your peace of mind, you should know that Aravilla has experienced on staff nurses onsite around-the-clock. We can also arrange for onsite physical, speech, and occupational therapies provided by skilled professionals.

Physical Fitness

Lifelong Learning

On-Site Therapies

“Keeping our residents happy and healthy is our number one priority. At Aravilla, we offer a myriad of activities, classes and excursions as well as all the latest tools and resources needed to maintain a healthy mind and body.”

Happy Days And Joyful Ways

Fill Your Life with Fun and Friends

In Aravilla’s vibrant senior living communities, leisure, laughter, and new adventures always await. Our busy and diverse activity schedules encourage you to embrace your individualism with dozens of options, from live music and entertainment in our piano bars to group exercise and art. Enrichment classes promote continuous personal growth. There is much to do in the surrounding area as well, with frequent day and evening excursions to local beaches, shops, sporting events, art and theater productions, and more.

Aravilla is also a peaceful, relaxing place to enjoy the comforts of home. You can curl up with a book and a beverage in your favorite spot, or take your dog for a stroll in our assisted living communities. When you want serious relaxation or quiet time, our picturesque ponds and lagoon aqua-therapy pools are ideal. With lots of events for your family and friends to attend, you’ll also have the chance to spend quality time with the people you love.

Live Entertainment Daily

Day Trips and Adventures

Events for Family and Friends

“At Aravilla we encourage our residents to embrace their individualism and continue to do the things they love. From musical entertainment to art, to planned social gatherings or quiet time in the garden, at Aravilla there is always something good happening.”

]]>Connecthttps://aravilla.com/connect-lifestyle/
Tue, 08 Aug 2017 10:23:34 +0000http://localhost/5starhotel/?p=203315Feel settled and comfortable from the day of your arrival the help of your personal concierge

Warm And Welcoming

Count on Your Concierge to Make You Feel at Home

When you come to Aravilla, you won’t be on your own. We know that moving to a new home can be overwhelming, so we partner you with your own, dedicated concierge on the day you arrive.

This uniquely trained staff member will spend time with you, easing your transition and making you feel comfortable and welcome. He or she will get to know you and listen to your distinct needs and preferences, so a customized plan for your care and wellness can be developed. It’s just one way we ensure that your care is truly customized to your needs—a hallmark of the Aravilla name.

Your welcome concierge will not only learn what makes you special, but also help orient you to your community, introduce you to staff and residents and make sure you feel comfortable. Before you know it, you’ll have that warm sense of familiarity that only home can evoke.

Moving Assistance

Personal Welcome Concierge

Customized Care Plan

“ What better way to get acclimated to your new home than with your own personal concierge? On day one, new residents are paired with a specially trained staff member who will introduce you to the community and learn about your likes, dislikes and routines.”